A Message from Mrs. Perrault, Principal
Dear Families,
We are off to an amazing start! It is so nice to have all of our students and staff back. There is certainly a lot of hustle and bustle as we all do our best to acclimate to a new school year. This year, we have 720 students enrolled!
The fall is our time for initial assessments. Over the next few weeks, students will take both the reading and math STAR assessments. These assessments provide a baseline for the year and help teachers structure their instruction according to individual student needs. We spend a great deal of time analyzing the data and then establish school goals that align with the information gathered from these assessments.
Teachers should be sending out weekly newsletters with information about the upcoming week. If you have students in Preschool through 6th grade, please also be sure to check the Friday Folders each week.
I cannot say enough about how excited our new staff members are to be part of our school community. They have said time and time again how fortunate they feel to be here. Thank you for welcoming them so warmly and for supporting them as they begin this new journey with us.
Drop-Off and Pick-Up
Thank you for following the guidelines for dropping off and picking up your children. The parking lot has been running smoothly during these times, and your cooperation makes a big difference. Please remember to always use the crosswalks when heading toward the school.
Parents, we also want to encourage our younger students to become a little more independent. It is helpful if parents do not walk their children to their classrooms. Mr. Daymut and I are in the commons each morning to help students get where they need to go. Thank you for helping us foster independence in our students!
Student Handbook & Uniform Expectations
One important reminder is to please make sure you have read and signed the student handbook. Pay special attention to the uniform expectations.
As a Catholic school, we believe it is important for our students and families to take pride in their school. Wearing the uniform correctly is one simple way we demonstrate that pride.
The two areas that have been the most challenging are:
- Keeping shirts tucked in
- Wearing skirts at the correct length (no more than 3 inches above the knee)
We also still have used uniforms available for sale, and we are happy to help families find uniform shirts that are long enough to stay tucked in and skirts that meet the 3-inch requirement.
Staying Connected
We post weekly announcements within FACTS about upcoming events, but please remember that the Google Calendar is always being updated with the most current information.
Thank you so much for partnering with us as we continue living out our mission together: “United in Christ to ignite the joy of faith, community, and learning.”
We are grateful for each of you and look forward to a wonderful school year together!
United in Christ,
Mrs. Perrault
In this issue of Martyr Messenger:
- Admin Updates: Curriculum Night, Family Handbook, Uniform Reminders, Now Hiring Kindergarten Grade TA, Free Piano, Free & Reduced Lunch, School Picture Orders, Principal's Wish List, 2 PM Dismissal, School Mass Schedule, Volunteer in the Library, Sacrament Dates, Educational Tax Credit
- Home & School Updates: Home & School Meeting, Martyr Marathon Kickoff, Fall Family Frolic, Dues & Contributions, Yearbook, Volunteer Positions, Seeking Class Coordinators
- Men's Club Updates: Checks Delivered, Join Our First Meeting
- Sports Club Updates: Micro Soccer, Cross Country, Spirit Wear
- Parish Updates: Family Prayer & Pizza, Middle School Youth Group, Landscape Volunteers, Altar Server Training
Administration Updates
Family Handbook Acknowledgment Form
The Family Handbook is updated for the 26-27 school year. It is linked below, posted on our website, and linked in our app. Please be sure to review it carefully as changes have been made since last school year.All families must complete the Family Handbook Acknowledgement Form as soon as possible. You can complete the form via the Family Portal in your web browser, or by following the below steps in our SSM School App.
Uniform Reminders & Updates
Please note: the 26-27 School Year is the last year when navy blue uniform pants/shorts/skorts can be worn. Khaki/plaid will be the only option for pants/skorts/shorts beginning with the 27-28 School Year.Only approved uniform items are allowed. Skirts, skorts, and shorts must meet the school’s length guidelines (skirts must fall 3 inches above the knee). Items that are too short will not be permitted. Thank you for your support in keeping our dress code consistent and appropriate for a Catholic School. Please review the Dress Code by using the button below.
Now Hiring: Teacher Associate for Kindergarten
We are in search of a Teacher Associate for Mrs. Wolff's Kindergarten class. To apply, email Mr. Verraneault at g.verraneault@stephen.org.FREE! Piano from Music Room
Please help us find a new home for our "three legged" friend. The price is wonderful - "FREE "- you provide the transportation! This piano hasn't been played in years and is in very good, used condition. Please contact Susan Smith to coordinate pickup at s.smith@stephen.org.Free and Reduced Lunch
School families may apply for Free and Reduced Price School Meals through the National School Lunch Program. More information on this process can be found on page 16 of the Family Handbook.School Picture Orders
We had a wonderful Picture Day! Families are welcome to order school pictures online using the button below. This replaces the paper order form that was sent home with your student.
Upcoming 2 PM Dismissal
We will dismiss at 2 PM on Wednesday, Sept. 16th for a Teacher Meeting. There are several of these early dismissal days throughout the school year. Please see the Annual Calendar for future dates. Thank you for understanding!Principal's Wish List
Funds specific needs for our school
At St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic School, we strive to be “united in Christ to ignite the joy of faith, community, and learning”. To support that mission, we are committed to ensure that our faculty, staff, and students have an excellent environment and are equipped with the tools they need to be their best. Please review the Principal’s Wish List for ways you can support our projects that truly make a difference for our students every day! Questions? Contact Carrie Ashley at c.ashley@stephen.org.
Visiting Our School
Friendly reminder that every visitor to the school must check in at the School Office before proceeding. This includes parents/guardians.
- Office staff will assist in delivering items or contacting students.
- Parents are not be allowed to wait in the School Commons before and/or after school.
- Parents are highly encouraged to allow their students to proceed to their classrooms unassisted by the parent.
School Mass Schedule
We love it when our families attend Mass with our school students! While students need to sit with their classes, families are always welcome to join us and celebrate Mass with our school family. Please Note: During School Mass times, the doors to the church will be locked beginning at 8:10 AM. Please enter through the Main School doors for access if you arrive later.
Volunteer in the Library
Miss Chu is seeking volunteers to assist during library time for our younger students in Kindergarten through 2nd Grade. Volunteers help students check out books and assist with reshelving. Volunteers must be Safe Environment Trained. This is a great opportunity for grandparents and parents to see their student during the school day! Use the button to volunteer.Sacrament Dates
Education Freedom Tax Credit
In 2025, the U.S. Congress passed a new federal tax credit to fund scholarships nationwide. OSN looks forward to serving as a Scholarship Granting Organization when the tax credit goes into effect January 1, 2027. Any taxpayer with federal income tax liability will be able to contribute up to $1700 to OSN. Those contributions will then be used to fund K-12 private school scholarships for Nebraska kids.
Home & School Updates
Home & School Kickoff Meeting
Sept. 10 | 8 - 9 AM | Parish CenterJoin us to kickoff the school year! We will have our first meeting of the school year right after school drop off on September 10th. We have an amazing community of families. Join us to get involved!
Martyr Marathon: Fundraising Starts This Weekend!
Martyr Marathon is the schools biggest fundraiser of the year, eliminating the need for other fundraisers. Funds from Martyr Marathon supports classroom needs, teachers, programs, curriculum needs, and fun "extras" for students that contribute to the SSM experience! The Martyr Marathon kickoff assembly will be held tomorrow, Friday, August 28th. Fundraising starts after dismissal, more information will be in the Martyr Marathon packet in your child's Friday folder (Youngest child's folder)Save the Date for our Fall Family Frolic!
Help Us Make the 26-27 School Year Amazing!
We are still in need of multiple important volunteer roles to help make this school year wonderful for our students & families! Examples include Yearbook, Trunk-or-Treat & Easter Egg Hunt, Fall Family Frolic, and New Family Care, among others.Volunteer as Class Coordinator
Grade level coordinators are responsible for planning the Halloween Party (PreK-4th), Planning the Valentine's Day Party (PreK-4th), and celebrating your Teacher's & TA's birthday. Gather photos of class events for the yearbook and your classroom teacher.Home & School Dues & Contributions
Please support our Home & School Association by paying your dues and contributions! You can complete the form now online using the button below. All parents are members of the H&S Association! Your dues help us to continue to support our teachers and your students in so many different ways throughout the year!In addition to paying your dues, you can contribute to several other giving opportunities including the Teacher Christmas Gift Fund, Teacher Appreciation, Teacher Hospitality, and much more! Please reach out if you have questions: email Home & School at ssmhomeandschool@gmail.com.
Thank you for supporting your school through your Home & School Dues. Your donations, time, and talent really do make a difference!
Love Being Creative? Help Keep Our Yearbook Tradition Alive! 📚
We're looking for one or two volunteers to help take over our Yearbook Committee, and we'd love to find someone who enjoys creativity, organization, and working behind the scenes to create something special for our students and families.This is a great opportunity for anyone who:
- Enjoys design, layouts, and storytelling through photos
- Has an eye for detail and organization
- Likes collaborating with school staff, Pyles Photography, and Scholastic
- Wants to help preserve memories and create a keepsake that students will treasure for years to come
Spirit Wear
Spirit Wear Store Now Open
- May be worn on Martyr Mondays
- Proceeds go to Omaha Travel Club (8th Grade Trip to Washington D.C.)
Men's Club Updates
Don't miss our upcoming meeting!
Men of SSM are invited to our Kickoff Meeting on Monday, Aug. 31st, 7 PM, at DJs Dugout (180th & Q).Checks Delivered to Teachers: Thank you for supporting the SSM Men's Club!
SSM Men's Club handed out over $15,000 to our school teachers and staff. Thank you to our Triathlon sponsors and participants! Send an email to admin@mensclubssm.org to participate or sponsor our event in April 2027!
Sports Club Updates
Last chance! Register for Micro Soccer
Parish Updates
Family Prayer & Pizza
Sept. 20th | 4 PM | Rosary + Dinner
Middle School Youth Group
Note: We will not meet Sept. 8th
Landscape Volunteers Needed!
Our Landscape Ministry is seeking a few volunteers to care for the beds in around the school. This is an easy way to make a big impact on our school environment! Volunteers will weed, care for plants, and assist the Landscape Ministry with seasonal updates. To volunteer, email Steve at omaspice@gmail.com.Altar Server Training
Community News
Skutt Dance Team Fall Clinic
Art Classes at the Joslyn
Shadow at Gross Catholic
Visit Marian
Important Upcoming Dates
- Aug. 28: Martyr Marathon Kickoff
- Sept. 7: No School - Labor Day
- Sept. 8: No School - Teacher Inservice
- Sept. 10: Home & School Meeting, 8:15 AM, Parish Center
- Curriculum Night, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
- Sept. 14: First Martyr Monday
- Sept. 16: 2 PM Dismissal for Teacher Meeting
- Sept. 18: Martyr Marathon, Noon Dismissal